Fowler & O'Connor strike with Colonel Mustard

After finishing second on debut at Killarney last month, Colonel Mustard managed to go one place better in the finale at Punchestown today, the Download The Racing Post App (Ladies Pro/Am) INH Flat Race.

The subject of a gamble on his first start, the Lorna Fowler trained chestnut was sent off at 16/5 today with Aine O'Connor in the saddle.

Settled in second, the son of Makfi improved to lead from the three furlong pole and was pushed out in the closing stages to beat Phillapa Sue by four-and-a-quarter lengths.

The runner-up was returned at 5/2 (from 4s) under Maxine O'Sullivan for John Kiely, while Corrigaleen (33/1) was another twenty lengths back in third. Sam's Choice was sent off the 7/4 favourite and he finished a well-beaten fourth.

Fowler said afterwards: "We think a good bit of this horse and I'd say he was beaten by a good one in Killarney. He learned a lot from that run, and I wouldn't have run him unless there was cut in the ground but I knew the rain was coming.

"Aine said he won with plenty in hand. He loves his racing and when they are like that you are halfway there.

"I'd like to go for a hurdle next. He's five now and I'd like to get on with it.

"I wanted to get him to the track a year ago but little things went against him like a stone bruise and then we had the lockdown. The time hasn't done him any harm."

STEWARDS REPORT

Miss S. Lynam, rider of The Dude Abides trained by Sarah Lynam, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount was hampered by the injured horse.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee